The Design Emporium gets many questions regarding window treatments. The most common one in Arizona, and since many of The Design Emporium’s clients live in Cave Creek, Carefree, and Scottsdale and have discerning tastes which vary, the following question needs to be addressed.
Sara Monahan, owner of The Design Emporium, explains that the most common question she gets asked is: “| have a window 36” X 60” (or something similar). How much does an average window treatment cost?”
First of all, when arriving at the cost, many factors determine the bottom line: the product, the exact size, the complexity, the “add-ons”, like lifting systems, function (top-down, bottom-up, for instance), motorization, etc. In the case of “soft window treatments”, like drapery, top treatments, sheers, or whether the treatment is lined or unlined, size not only plays a factor but the cost of the fabric and the type of material that is used plays a huge role. In addition, a consideration of the kind of hardware (rods) used, whether it is to be hidden or decorative comes into play. Also, the application of trimmings like a braid, tassels, or contrast banding, adds to the cost.
Therefore, the terminology “average cost” does not, in reality, exist in the Custom-made Industry for a window treatment. That is why a consultation by a professional Interior Designer (especially a window treatment specialist) is needed. Then, and only then, can an exact cost be given.
One thing most of her clients in Carefree, Cave Creek, and Scottsdale have found is that the Arizona sun, being so intense, is a very determining factor regarding what treatment is appropriate. With that said, have you ever had a cheap plastic window treatment crack or break as you tried to open or close the shades or slats? These problems occur as a significant result caused by sun damage. In most Eastern US states, the intensity of the sun is not as strong, so in Arizona, high quality is essential. Your chain store brand (and many inferior custom brands) that may work well in a city with more cloud cover, may not do well with the morning or afternoon Arizona sun beating down on your window treatments.
Sara Monahan at The Design Emporium has been serving Cave Creek, Carefree, and of course, Scottsdale, for many years. With that said, you can always call her and have something custom made for your windows that will be much more durable in the long run. And as a professional designer, she will come to your home and explain all of the features and benefits of beautiful, yet functional, window treatments.